Tiu kicks off year with win in Clark

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Jonathan Tiu of JCT-Blanche Racing fashioned out another impressive win in the Philippine Drag Racing Championship-Northern Series, ruling the kickoff leg of the event at the Clark International Speedway in Clark, Pampanga recently.

Tiu not only steered his new Mitsubishi Evo 5 to another remarkable triumph in the Quick 8 division but also recorded a new mark in the event sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and backed by San Miguel Corp., Pilipinas Shell, Yokohama, Pagcor, Aeromed, Hastings Motor Corporation and Stoplight TV.

Running unopposed in the final showdown, Tiu took the opportunity to test the limit of his car and set a new all-time fastest quarter-mile record of 9.054 seconds, shattering his previous fastest time of 9.223 seconds. 

Team H3 Motorsports driver Pepi Santos also posted an impressive time of 9.448 seconds for the new Quickest Front Wheel and Quickest Honda Car record.

With Tiu ruling the Quick 8, the American V8 muscle cars dominated the Pro Class with Angeles City-based former US serviceman John Ryzia leading the 1-2-3 finish.

Ryzia, aboard a 1968 Chevy, ruled the Pro class with 11.428-second clocking in a final showdown with fellow expat William Hand, who finished with 11.814 seconds.

Another former US serviceman Steve Caldwell checked in third in 12.135 seconds with his Camaro.

Morris Miranda also posted a big win in the expert class, clocking 12.932 seconds in a final encounter with newcomer Gary Dumbrique who turned in a 13.311-second clocking.

Bong Hilario finished third in 12.598 seconds.

Topping the other classes where Vicente Moya and Michael Tio.

Moya grabbed the honors in the Sportsman class via a double-breakout triumph over TJ Pangilinan with Russel Abobo finishing third.

Tio topped the Hot Street division with 16.097-second clocking. Reumar Mariano posted 16.693 seconds for second while Jhume Nuqui placed third with 16.640 seconds.   

For details, log on to www.batangasracingcircuit.com or contact the Batangas Racing Circuit c/o Nelson Gayola or Rodini Rivera at (632) 817-2241, 729-5365 or fax 815-1241.